Happy New Year: Hopes and Goals for 2013

2012 was a busy year for my family.

• We sold our townhome and bought a new home closer to family. The move was interesting with two little ones around directing traffic and giving directions.  We have been fixing up the new home to meet our style and needs, and that in itself is a work in progress.
• Sadly, a very dear member of my family passed away this year {love you Grandma} and I flew to Los Angeles to say my goodbyes.
• I was lucky enough to be able to attend BlogHer12 in New York and even had time enough to make a little vacation of the trip.
• We found out this year that we will be expecting a new baby come June 2013 and we are thrilled!

These are just some of the major events of 2012 and I can honestly say that I had a very blessed 2012. I cannot wait to see what 2013 has in store for my family.

What are you hoping for in 2013? Do you have a resolution or a goal for the coming year?

Have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Merry Christmas

From my family to yours.

Over the next week I and my family will be celebrating Christmas and traveling to visit family. We will be unplugged and incommunicado.  That means that I will be taking the next week off from blogging and will be back January 1^st. But don’t worry; I should come back with some interesting anecdotes to share.

I hope your holidays are very merry and bright!

Http://MomMart.blogspot.com

Elf on a shelf… with manners.

We do elf on a shelf. We started this tradition last year and have continued it this year. His name is Charlie and although he is an elf on a shelf, he is a well mannered family friend who does NOT make messes for mom to clean up.

Moving along with #Pregnancy Journal Week 13

How Far Along: 13 Weeks (or…13 weeks 5 days)

Due Date: June 22^nd, 2013

Boy or girl: We don’t know the gender yet.

Bump Picture: Looking good… Ha ha ha!... I am hoping that if I keep telling myself this that I won’t mind the pasty drained exhausted look that I am sporting quite so much. Once again my son is my photographer and this was the least blurry picture out of the 10 or 12 that he took :)

My boys are over the moon for the new Joovy Moon Room Playard #Review

It’s a jungle gym…

It’s a spaceship…

No, it’s the new Joovy Moon Room Playard and it is awesome! This playard is unlike any other playard on the market thanks to the new unique shape. It has been configured to maximize interior space while minimizing the amount of floor space it takes up. With over 10 square feet of floor space this has quickly become my son’s favorite place to hang out. Seriously… He stands in front of the Joovy Moon Room asking to go in.

So why am I such a big fan? Because it is not only a really cool place for my little peanut to hang out while mom is cooking dinner, it is also great for traveling (it comes with its own carry bag and washable 100% cotton fitted sheet). It is easy to set up and it is easy to fold and put away when not in use. I am also simply smitten with the charcoal color that it comes in. Although, the purpleness and black options are super sleek too.

#WW: The Polar Express

Last year we stood in line in the blistering cold waiting out turn to ride the “Polar Express”. This is a little train that is decorated with lights that the kids love to ride on. This year we went when the weather was lovely… and the line was three times as long. I would still take a long line in nice weather over a short line in terrible weather any day of the week. The boys had a great time and so did mom and dad!

2012 Holiday Gift Guide Giveaways #GiftGuide #Giveaways

This is a giveaway linky that will be sticky {meaning it will remain at the top of Mom Mart throughout the duration of this event} until December 15th. All 2012 Holiday Gift Guide giveaways will be linked here for your easy access.

Second Trimester is right around the corner: #Pregnancy Journal Week 12

This pregnancy is moving right along and I am growing right along with it. Goodbye flat stomach and hello to the upcoming second trimester baby bump!
How Far Along: 12 Weeks (or…12 weeks 5 days) Due Date: June 22^nd 2013 Boy or girl: We do not know the gender yet.
Bump Picture: Woo Hoo! I have popped out a bit... Sorry for the blurry picture. My 3 year old took this photo while I was comforting my 1 year old.

Give the Gift of a Great Future

Throughout the year I try to teach my children the importance of giving back to the community. We strive to involve our entire family in these good works so that our children grow up to appreciate the blessings in their lives and to acknowledge and help those who are not so fortunate. We have done this by participating in missions to assist our local homeless shelter and community churches. We participate in various fundraisers and outreach programs as well.

   

I recently heard about the 2nd annual Boys and Girls Club of America’s Give the Gift of a Great Future Holiday Campaign. The Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) has created various ways for anyone and everyone to give back this holiday season and to embrace the true meaning of the season. You can log onto the website to learn more.

 

#WW: Dear Santa

My children love Breakfast with Santa, an event that my neighborhood puts on each year. We arrive early to see Santa and tell him what we want for Christmas to avoid lines and so far it has worked out well for us. This is quickly becoming a family tradition and it sure beats waiting in line at a mall.

Why it’s important to read financial books to your kids {Guest Post}



It’s time for bed and your kids are ready to snuggle up under their covers and fall asleep to the sound of your voice while you read their favorite book. Maybe your kids love to hear you read the story about Little Red Riding Hood or maybe they love the story about Rapunzel, but it’s important to throw some educational books into the mix every now and then. I am not suggesting that every single night you have to read about saving money to your kids, but teaching them about the value of money at a young age will help them appreciate the value of money as they grow up.

First Trimester and the joys of morning sickness…

The first trimester of pregnancy is always my most difficult. With my first born son I lost 15 lbs the first trimester and was sick all the time. With my second son I lost 10 lbs in 4 days and had to go to the emergency room to get rehydrated and put on an anti nausea medication. Now with baby number three on the way I am counting down the days until the first trimester is over and I can start to feel normal again.

As of today I am 11 weeks and 2 days. The light at the end of the first trimester tunnel is fast approaching and I cannot wait to see the other end. Being sick is not fun… let alone being constantly sick with two little ones. At least my boys are somewhat sympathetic.